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65 companies plan to open for premarket

Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2011

HIGH POINT — The High Point Market Authority reports that Premarket sponsors will again have record attendance for this month's event and have registered 224 buyers from 96 retail companies for this month's event.

Additionally, 65 exhibitors have said they will open their showrooms for the event.

The High Point Market Authority reports that 24 companies are sponsoring Premarket, which takes place Feb. 28 to March 1. A number of other non-sponsoring exhibitors will also open their doors for Premarket.

"We constantly hear from retailers about the important role that Premarket plays in their buying decisions, as well as the efficiency of their market schedules," said Kevin O'Connor, chairman of the Premarket Committee and president and CEO of Samson Marketing Group, the parent of furniture brands Legacy Classic and Universal, in a press release.

"The 24 sponsoring manufacturers have made a commitment to show all new product in a market setting for review. The pace is more relaxed, collaboration is encouraged and, in the end, everyone is a winner."

Premarket takes place about a month before the April and October High Point Markets, allowing manufacturers and suppliers a chance to show new product prototypes in advance of the spring and fall shows.

This spring's High Point Market is set for April 2-7.

"Premarket offers a unique opportunity for participating buyers and the sponsoring exhibitors to come together in advance of market," said Brian Casey, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority and a spokesman for the event's sponsors, in a press release.

He added: "There have been positive economic signs that, when combined with the amazing response to Premarket and early registrations for market, are predicting a very positive Market Week in April."

Furniture/Today will run updates on the exhibiting companies periodically before Premarket. To be included on future lists, companies should contact Staff Writer Heath E. Combs at hcombs@furnituretoday.com.